PROUD Cumbrians have been praised for doing their bit for the community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Our Pride of Cumbria Awards showcased those who stepped-up to help others in need during the Covid-19 pandemic and the accolade for Community Business of the Year was no exception.

Radio presenter Danny Matthews said: “The judges were looking for a business that has diversified to help the fight against Covid-19 or gone above and beyond to support health workers during the pandemic.”

Carlisle Youth Zone was announced as the winner of the Community Business of the Year Award for their work with young people during the pandemic and beyond.

Accepting the award, Lynsey Buckle representing Carlisle Youth Zone, from Carlisle, 43 said: “I just honestly didn’t expect that at all because when you hear so many of these stories tonight you just realise how much people have been doing and I think that’s Cumbrian’s all over though, you get up and get it done for the community.

She said: “It doesn’t surprise me that there’s so many phenomenal people living in this county.

Lynsey said: “For us personally, I’m here representing a team of youth workers to volunteers, businesses - we have 77 businesses that support us - and they have done amazing things in this time and I can’t wait to tell them all we won.

“It isn’t just the youth zone, we represent so many other people it’s amazing.

She said: “Anything that’s called the Pride of Cumbria, to be associated with that is something we are deeply proud of.”